US wants to expand military ties with India: Gates

Washington, Sep 24: US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said that US wants to strengthen and expand its military ties with India.

Addressing at the Pentagon news conference which was jointly addressed by Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gates said, “we are looking to expand this relationship in ways that are mutually beneficial."

“India have a big competition going on for a new modern fighter. We"ll probably have some conversations about that," stated Gates.

"The military-to-military relationship with India is exceptionally strong and growing," said Mullen.

"The Indian Ocean, we also know, is an incredibly important body of water; not just now, but also in the future. So we recognise the importance of keeping that relationship as strong as it is, and also making it grow," he said.